Managing an automated warehouse in the food sector: challenges, solutions and opportunities 4.0

In the food sector, food warehouse automation means much more than just ‘moving pallets automatically’.

In this scenario, an automated food warehouse becomes a strategic lever for reducing errors, limiting waste and ensuring operational continuity, while at the same time exploiting the opportunities offered by Industry 4.0 incentives.

1. Automated warehouse for the food industry

Managing a warehouse in the food sector means operating in a highly complex environment, where every link in the logistics chain must comply with stringent quality and safety requirements.

Among the most frequent critical issues are:
• Deadline management (FEFO/FIFO): systems must ensure that products are picked in the correct order, avoiding deterioration or waste.
• Temperature control: continuous and reliable monitoring is essential for fresh or frozen foods.
• Full traceability: each batch must be identifiable throughout the entire process, from receipt to shipment.
• Management of variable demand: seasonal peaks and sudden changes in consumer habits require flexible and responsive logistics.

2. Food warehouse automation: concrete advantages

Implementing automation solutions in food warehouses means responding to these challenges with more robust, measurable and scalable processes.

Among the main benefits:

• Reduction of picking and storage errors
  Stacker cranes, shuttles, shuttle systems, AGVs/AMRs and collaborative miniloads, guided by an advanced WMS, drastically reduce human error.
• Improved hygiene and safety
  Fewer operators in critical areas and cold stores means less risk of contamination and accidents, resulting in better working conditions.
• Space optimisation
  In refrigerated or frozen warehouses, every cubic metre comes at a high cost. High-density automated solutions allow for better use of vertical and depth space, reducing the installed surface area.
• Predictable productivity, 24 hours a day
  An automated food warehouse can operate across multiple shifts with stable performance, ensuring reduced throughput times and more reliable lead times for customers.
• Real-time data for better decisions
  Integration with WMS, WES and WCS systems allows you to monitor saturation, stock levels, picking performance, item rotation and logistics KPIs with a view to continuous improvement.

At Errevi Automation, we design tailor-made logistics automation solutions, combining automatic handling systems, WMS software and Industry 4.0 integration for various sectors of the food industry.

Go to the Solutions page 3. Food storage and Industry 4.0 incentives: why it pays to invest now

Transition 4.0 offers companies in the food sector the opportunity to recoup a significant portion of their investments in automation and digitalisation.

The scope of the incentives includes, for example:

• Automatic warehouse systems interconnected with management systems;
• WMS/MES warehouse management software that manages traceability, stock and data analysis;
• The incentive can cover between 20% and 40% of the investment value, depending on the type and reference year, making the transition to automation a strategic and cost-effective opportunity.

When a food warehouse automation project is designed using Industry 4.0 logic:

• improves process efficiency,
• increases the level of service to large-scale distribution, industry and the hospitality sector,
• and benefits from tax breaks that reduce the payback period of the investment.

4. Innovating food warehouses today to be competitive tomorrow

Quality, safety, sustainability and speed are now prerequisites for those operating in the food supply chain.
In this context, automating the food warehouse is no longer just a way to reduce costs, but a necessary step towards:

• ensure operational continuity even during peak demand periods,
• reduce waste and returns through better management of expiry dates,
• offer customers a more reliable and faster service,
• enhance the brand’s image as a reliable and innovative partner.

Do you want to make your food warehouse more efficient?

Errevi Automation supports companies in the food sector in the design and construction of automated warehouses and tailor-made logistics automation systems, guaranteeing:

• scalable and modular solutions over time,
• full integration with company information systems,
• support in complying with 4.0 requirements.

If you are considering a food warehouse automation project or want to understand how to improve your existing system, we can help you transform your warehouse into a real competitive advantage.

Contact us for a dedicated consultation and discover the most suitable solution for your food warehouse.